Times2 Academy, pronounced Times squared Academy, began as a Saturday-after school enrichment program in 1976 in Providence RI, with the aspiration of minority children becoming the next greatest scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. By 1998, this enrichment program progressed into a formal 7-12 accredited charter public high school, and later included the elementary division in 2002. Times2 Academy's curriculum emphasizes the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) principle[1] . In order to obtain a comprehensive view of the Times2 Academy to determine it's effectiveness as a charter school in comparison to other public schools within Rhode Island, one should examine its school demographics, student achievement, teaching, family, community and home life, safety and support, and funding and resources for the high school portion of the Academy. With this information, it may be conclusively determined whether the charter school Times2 Academy is a valid alternative to a traditional public high school in Rhode Island.
Geographical Location and School Demographics
The city of Providence, where the charter school Times2 Academy is located, encloses a total of 20.5 square miles of Rhode Island.. Providence is located near the top of Narragansett Bay, with the Providence River running into the bay through the center of the city. The weather qualifies as humid continental climate [2] . Providence is the most populous city in Rhode Island, and one of the most densely populated cities in the country with approximately 178,053 residents [3] . Of those residents, 661 students attend Times2 Academy's preschool-12th grade schooling [4] . Times2 Academy is located down the street from Providence College, right off of Douglas Avenue, putting it within a central location of the city.
Within the high school portion of Times2 Academy, the diverse demographics are apparent. The majority of this charter school, located in central Providence, is made up of students that identify themselves as having more than one race, totaling 60.3% of the school's population, compared to a total of 18.9% statewide. The second most prevalent race is then African American, embodying 42.6% of the student population, soaring over the Rhode Island's minimal 12.5% black populace. Times2 Academy is also above the state average in terms of enrolling more Asians and American Indians and Alaskan Natives. In addition, this academy's ethnic population is over twice as much as the state's average at 60.2%. While this high school has only 89 students total, it is relatively on par with the state's gender and Pacific Islander population [5] . Such numbers indicate an extremely heterogeneous student body.
Where Times2 Academy is lacking in terms of diversity in comparison to Rhode Island is their number of students receiving special education services and their white population. Special education services are only provided to 7% of Times2 students, while 16% of the state's students are receiving such services [6] . This may suggest that this charter school only accepts exceptionally promising students. Additionally, the white population of Times2 only accounts for 8.8% of the high school, while 70.5% of the state is Caucasian [7] . This may be attributed to Times2's goal of aspiring to create the next greatest mathematicians from minorities.
Student Achievement
The information reported by Times2 Academy in terms of student achievement based on the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) is, on average, comparable to that of Rhode Island's scores. When tested in reading and writing, Times2 students were above the Rhode Islanders average proficiency results by double digits, achieving proficiency from 69% of the students in writing, and 86% in reading. These tests scores exhibit an over 30% increase in proficiency than that of the Providence district's. Oddly enough, when tested in science and math, the specialty of this charter school, Times2 fell below state average. When 11th graders were tested in science, they fell 2% below the state average at 24%, an apparently insignificant differentiation, unlike that of their math scores. While the state's 11th graders achieved 30% proficiency, Times2 students managed only 16% proficiency - still higher than the district's 12%, although [8] . These NECAP results suggest that Times2 is relatively on par with the state's scores, and surpasses the district within every category.
The information reported by students suggests that Times2 Academy, a school focused around the progression of technology, on average spent more time on the computer than the state. This is true for the subjects of English, science, social studies, and math, where students reported a double digit increase of Rhode Island's percentage of computer usage by students. In addition, 33.3% of Times2 students report spending over an hour on the computer for homework a night, compared to the state at a mere 15.3% [9] . These numbers suggest that technology is being more actively implemented in Times2 Academy than Rhode Island.
In regards to annual yearly progress (AYP) Times2 Academy met proficiency. As governed by the No Child Left Behind Act, students must meet a target standard determined by the states in order to receive federal funding. As a very diverse school, Times2 confronts a daunting task in particular because No Child Left Behind strives to also narrow the achievement gap between the races. Despite this, Times2 Academy met 17 out of 17 targets, and exhibited a higher proficiency in both mathematics and English language arts by every race in the district [10] .
Teaching
It is apparent through the information that is reported by students that the classes within Times2 Academy are generally more satisfied with their teachers than that of the remaining students of Rhode Island. Every question asked had more answers of "all of them" in every category compared to the state's total, including questions about teachers asking students to participate in class, work in small groups, and giving clear instructions and difficult problems to solve, among others [11] . These statistics may suggest that Times2 teachers approach learning in a different manner than other teachers within the state, indicated by their largely happier student body. This comes at a relatively small disadvantage of the Academy due to their teacher-student ratio of 15:1, while on par with the district's, is significantly higher than the state's 11:1 average. In addition to this disadvantage, it should also be noted that 5% of Times2 Academy's teaching staff is not highly qualified, 2% higher than that of Rhode Island's [12] . Despite these hindrances, Times2 Academy students are in general more satisfied with their teachers than other Rhode lsland students.
Family, Community and Home Life
According to information provided by students, the family, community and home life of Times2 attendees appear to be much more involved than the state's on average. When stated that the student's parents ask what their child is studying in school, think their school is efficient overall, and are concerned about their grades, significantly more students responded that they "strongly agree" in comparison to the state. Similarly, more parents reportedly talk to their children that attend Times2 about careers after high school, or attending college, than the remainder of Rhode Island's parents. In addition, Times2 Academy students feel as though they are generally more supported by their community compared to other Rhode Island students, yet do not participate as actively outside of school (playing sports, music, working, etc.) relative to other high school students throughout the state [13] . Times2 Academy also strongly differentiates from the state in regards to eligibility of subsidized lunches, reporting a 75% eligibility rate compared to the state's 44% average[14] . Despite this setback, the support system of Times2 Academy students appears to be extremely involved.
Safe and Supportive Schools
In general, it would appear by comparison to the state that Times2 Academy offers a much more safe and supportive school atmosphere. This can be exhibited by the information provided by the school itself, which presented a higher than or equal to attendance rate than that of the state's from elementary to high school. Chronic absenteeism is also 4% lower than Rhode Island's at 14%. An astounding 90% of students of the Times2 class of 2011 graduated in four years, a significantly higher portion than the state's 77.2% average. The school also boasts a 0% drop-out rate, infinitely smaller than the 12.5% state populace of drop-outs. In addition, every student of the class of 2011 at Times2 Academy graduated, a 100% five-year graduation rate, compared to the state's 80.2 percentage [15] . This information conveys that Times2 Academy students are much more likely to attend consistently, and graduate from high school than at other school's throughout the state.
Similar to the welcoming atmosphere found in Times2 as reported by the academy, the students feedback in regards to the safe and supportive atmosphere the school provides is as equally positive. More students at the Academy eat breakfast at least 3 times a week than the state, while less students are diagnosed with asthma and are as equally active as the remaining high students within Rhode Island. Times2 also presents statistics showing less students texting in class at 68.2%, 6% lower than that of the state's average. In addition, more students in the state reported to have skipped school within the last 12 months at 32.%, compared to the Academy's 28.7%. Furthermore, many students at Times2 reported to "strongly agree" that they felt safe going to and from school, in their hallways, and outside of their school, unlike the findings of the state. Likewise, the school is on par with the state in terms of discipline and equity, and report less incidents of bullying on average than the state. Times2 Academy students also report to have more positive student-teacher and personal relationships. Additionally, Times2 Academy students report less student violence, including the possessions of weapons within the school. Lastly, students of Times2 report less alcohol consumption, smoking, drug usage, drugs at school, instances of depression and sexual activity across the board than the state averages. These statistics all suggest that Times2 Academy is an extremely safe and supportive school [16] .
While Times2 Academy illustrates an extremely safe and supportive environment, two disadvantages in relation to the state should be noted. Although Times2 Academy focuses upon the progression of technology usage within the school, the majority of students reported not being allowed to use the library during their free time. In fact, 44% of students state that they are "never" allowed to do so, despite a new library occupying the third floor, while only 19.4% of students within the state said the same. Additionally, although Times2 students feel safe within the Academy, they report more instances of being robbed at school (34.1%) than the state (25.3%) [17] . These two disadvantages seem minimal when taken into account with Times2 Academy's generally safe and supportive atmosphere.
Funding and Resources
The information regarding funding and resources is relatively positive, for despite the Providence district's minimal means, the students of Times2 Academy report to be extremely satisfied with the resources provided. The nominal wealth of Providence is demonstrated by the property value of each student, determined as the comprehensive value of all real property in the district divided by the average daily enrollment of public school students within the district, which is over one third less than East Greenwich's $1,002,895 at $378,009, suggesting that it is extremely low. This district also spends a significant amount of money per student at $15,305, despite their relatively low average income of $32,058 [18] . It would appear that Times2 Academy implements their funding and resources well, as their students are more satisfied with their school facilities, such bathroom safety, lighting and temperature, than the state's averages. Additionally, while in general the students of Times2 are more content with their school resources, like their school building, desks and gym, than other students within the state, it should be noted that more students of Times2 need to share textbooks on average than the state [19] . Despite this it appears overall that the funding and resources for Times2 Academy are satisfactory in accordance to their students.
Conclusion
When this comprehensive view of Times2 Academy is acknowledged, it may be conclusively determined that this charter school is a valid alternative to most public schools throughout the state. Within every aforestated category that was investigated, Times2 Academy was generally on par with the state's average, or exceeded, demonstrating Times2 efficiency as a scholarly institution. In terms of alternative choices within the Providence district, Times2 appears to be the proper choice of schooling, for in every facet, such as student achievement, teaching, family, community and home life, safety and support, and funding and resources, this Academy reported more positive statistics than the district. This information can be especially insightful for parents of Providence students attempting to determine what is the best educational option for their child, for Times2 Academy would be an exceptional school for many students. In this specific instance, it becomes evident that this particular charter school is doing a greater job educating their students than that of comparable public high schools.
Times² Academy
Author: Emma MeyerIntroduction
Times2 Academy, pronounced Times squared Academy, began as a Saturday-after school enrichment program in 1976 in Providence RI, with the aspiration of minority children becoming the next greatest scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. By 1998, this enrichment program progressed into a formal 7-12 accredited charter public high school, and later included the elementary division in 2002. Times2 Academy's curriculum emphasizes the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) principle[1] . In order to obtain a comprehensive view of the Times2 Academy to determine it's effectiveness as a charter school in comparison to other public schools within Rhode Island, one should examine its school demographics, student achievement, teaching, family, community and home life, safety and support, and funding and resources for the high school portion of the Academy. With this information, it may be conclusively determined whether the charter school Times2 Academy is a valid alternative to a traditional public high school in Rhode Island.Geographical Location and School Demographics
The city of Providence, where the charter school Times2 Academy is located, encloses a total of 20.5 square miles of Rhode Island.. Providence is located near the top of Narragansett Bay, with the Providence River running into the bay through the center of the city. The weather qualifies as humid continental climate [2] . Providence is the most populous city in Rhode Island, and one of the most densely populated cities in the country with approximately 178,053 residents [3] . Of those residents, 661 students attend Times2 Academy's preschool-12th grade schooling [4] . Times2 Academy is located down the street from Providence College, right off of Douglas Avenue, putting it within a central location of the city.Within the high school portion of Times2 Academy, the diverse demographics are apparent. The majority of this charter school, located in central Providence, is made up of students that identify themselves as having more than one race, totaling 60.3% of the school's population, compared to a total of 18.9% statewide. The second most prevalent race is then African American, embodying 42.6% of the student population, soaring over the Rhode Island's minimal 12.5% black populace. Times2 Academy is also above the state average in terms of enrolling more Asians and American Indians and Alaskan Natives. In addition, this academy's ethnic population is over twice as much as the state's average at 60.2%. While this high school has only 89 students total, it is relatively on par with the state's gender and Pacific Islander population [5] . Such numbers indicate an extremely heterogeneous student body.
Where Times2 Academy is lacking in terms of diversity in comparison to Rhode Island is their number of students receiving special education services and their white population. Special education services are only provided to 7% of Times2 students, while 16% of the state's students are receiving such services [6] . This may suggest that this charter school only accepts exceptionally promising students. Additionally, the white population of Times2 only accounts for 8.8% of the high school, while 70.5% of the state is Caucasian [7] . This may be attributed to Times2's goal of aspiring to create the next greatest mathematicians from minorities.
Student Achievement
The information reported by Times2 Academy in terms of student achievement based on the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) is, on average, comparable to that of Rhode Island's scores. When tested in reading and writing, Times2 students were above the Rhode Islanders average proficiency results by double digits, achieving proficiency from 69% of the students in writing, and 86% in reading. These tests scores exhibit an over 30% increase in proficiency than that of the Providence district's. Oddly enough, when tested in science and math, the specialty of this charter school, Times2 fell below state average. When 11th graders were tested in science, they fell 2% below the state average at 24%, an apparently insignificant differentiation, unlike that of their math scores. While the state's 11th graders achieved 30% proficiency, Times2 students managed only 16% proficiency - still higher than the district's 12%, although [8] . These NECAP results suggest that Times2 is relatively on par with the state's scores, and surpasses the district within every category.The information reported by students suggests that Times2 Academy, a school focused around the progression of technology, on average spent more time on the computer than the state. This is true for the subjects of English, science, social studies, and math, where students reported a double digit increase of Rhode Island's percentage of computer usage by students. In addition, 33.3% of Times2 students report spending over an hour on the computer for homework a night, compared to the state at a mere 15.3% [9] . These numbers suggest that technology is being more actively implemented in Times2 Academy than Rhode Island.
In regards to annual yearly progress (AYP) Times2 Academy met proficiency. As governed by the No Child Left Behind Act, students must meet a target standard determined by the states in order to receive federal funding. As a very diverse school, Times2 confronts a daunting task in particular because No Child Left Behind strives to also narrow the achievement gap between the races. Despite this, Times2 Academy met 17 out of 17 targets, and exhibited a higher proficiency in both mathematics and English language arts by every race in the district [10] .
Teaching
It is apparent through the information that is reported by students that the classes within Times2 Academy are generally more satisfied with their teachers than that of the remaining students of Rhode Island. Every question asked had more answers of "all of them" in every category compared to the state's total, including questions about teachers asking students to participate in class, work in small groups, and giving clear instructions and difficult problems to solve, among others [11] . These statistics may suggest that Times2 teachers approach learning in a different manner than other teachers within the state, indicated by their largely happier student body. This comes at a relatively small disadvantage of the Academy due to their teacher-student ratio of 15:1, while on par with the district's, is significantly higher than the state's 11:1 average. In addition to this disadvantage, it should also be noted that 5% of Times2 Academy's teaching staff is not highly qualified, 2% higher than that of Rhode Island's [12] . Despite these hindrances, Times2 Academy students are in general more satisfied with their teachers than other Rhode lsland students.Family, Community and Home Life
According to information provided by students, the family, community and home life of Times2 attendees appear to be much more involved than the state's on average. When stated that the student's parents ask what their child is studying in school, think their school is efficient overall, and are concerned about their grades, significantly more students responded that they "strongly agree" in comparison to the state. Similarly, more parents reportedly talk to their children that attend Times2 about careers after high school, or attending college, than the remainder of Rhode Island's parents. In addition, Times2 Academy students feel as though they are generally more supported by their community compared to other Rhode Island students, yet do not participate as actively outside of school (playing sports, music, working, etc.) relative to other high school students throughout the state [13] . Times2 Academy also strongly differentiates from the state in regards to eligibility of subsidized lunches, reporting a 75% eligibility rate compared to the state's 44% average[14] . Despite this setback, the support system of Times2 Academy students appears to be extremely involved.Safe and Supportive Schools
In general, it would appear by comparison to the state that Times2 Academy offers a much more safe and supportive school atmosphere. This can be exhibited by the information provided by the school itself, which presented a higher than or equal to attendance rate than that of the state's from elementary to high school. Chronic absenteeism is also 4% lower than Rhode Island's at 14%. An astounding 90% of students of the Times2 class of 2011 graduated in four years, a significantly higher portion than the state's 77.2% average. The school also boasts a 0% drop-out rate, infinitely smaller than the 12.5% state populace of drop-outs. In addition, every student of the class of 2011 at Times2 Academy graduated, a 100% five-year graduation rate, compared to the state's 80.2 percentage [15] . This information conveys that Times2 Academy students are much more likely to attend consistently, and graduate from high school than at other school's throughout the state.Similar to the welcoming atmosphere found in Times2 as reported by the academy, the students feedback in regards to the safe and supportive atmosphere the school provides is as equally positive. More students at the Academy eat breakfast at least 3 times a week than the state, while less students are diagnosed with asthma and are as equally active as the remaining high students within Rhode Island. Times2 also presents statistics showing less students texting in class at 68.2%, 6% lower than that of the state's average. In addition, more students in the state reported to have skipped school within the last 12 months at 32.%, compared to the Academy's 28.7%. Furthermore, many students at Times2 reported to "strongly agree" that they felt safe going to and from school, in their hallways, and outside of their school, unlike the findings of the state. Likewise, the school is on par with the state in terms of discipline and equity, and report less incidents of bullying on average than the state. Times2 Academy students also report to have more positive student-teacher and personal relationships. Additionally, Times2 Academy students report less student violence, including the possessions of weapons within the school. Lastly, students of Times2 report less alcohol consumption, smoking, drug usage, drugs at school, instances of depression and sexual activity across the board than the state averages. These statistics all suggest that Times2 Academy is an extremely safe and supportive school [16] .
While Times2 Academy illustrates an extremely safe and supportive environment, two disadvantages in relation to the state should be noted. Although Times2 Academy focuses upon the progression of technology usage within the school, the majority of students reported not being allowed to use the library during their free time. In fact, 44% of students state that they are "never" allowed to do so, despite a new library occupying the third floor, while only 19.4% of students within the state said the same. Additionally, although Times2 students feel safe within the Academy, they report more instances of being robbed at school (34.1%) than the state (25.3%) [17] . These two disadvantages seem minimal when taken into account with Times2 Academy's generally safe and supportive atmosphere.
Funding and Resources
The information regarding funding and resources is relatively positive, for despite the Providence district's minimal means, the students of Times2 Academy report to be extremely satisfied with the resources provided. The nominal wealth of Providence is demonstrated by the property value of each student, determined as the comprehensive value of all real property in the district divided by the average daily enrollment of public school students within the district, which is over one third less than East Greenwich's $1,002,895 at $378,009, suggesting that it is extremely low. This district also spends a significant amount of money per student at $15,305, despite their relatively low average income of $32,058 [18] . It would appear that Times2 Academy implements their funding and resources well, as their students are more satisfied with their school facilities, such bathroom safety, lighting and temperature, than the state's averages. Additionally, while in general the students of Times2 are more content with their school resources, like their school building, desks and gym, than other students within the state, it should be noted that more students of Times2 need to share textbooks on average than the state [19] . Despite this it appears overall that the funding and resources for Times2 Academy are satisfactory in accordance to their students.Conclusion
When this comprehensive view of Times2 Academy is acknowledged, it may be conclusively determined that this charter school is a valid alternative to most public schools throughout the state. Within every aforestated category that was investigated, Times2 Academy was generally on par with the state's average, or exceeded, demonstrating Times2 efficiency as a scholarly institution. In terms of alternative choices within the Providence district, Times2 appears to be the proper choice of schooling, for in every facet, such as student achievement, teaching, family, community and home life, safety and support, and funding and resources, this Academy reported more positive statistics than the district. This information can be especially insightful for parents of Providence students attempting to determine what is the best educational option for their child, for Times2 Academy would be an exceptional school for many students. In this specific instance, it becomes evident that this particular charter school is doing a greater job educating their students than that of comparable public high schools.Brown, Seth (2007-09-01). //Rhode Island Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff//. Globe Pequot. p. 6. ISBN 978-0-7627-4338-4.
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! School Level Report - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/files/surveyworks/2011-2012/combined/surveyworks-2011-2012-times2-academy-student-parent-teacher-hs.pdf
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! Rhode Island Education Data Reporting - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/school/times2-academy
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! Rhode Island Education Data Reporting - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/school/times2-academy
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! School Level Report - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/files/surveyworks/2011-2012/combined/surveyworks-2011-2012-times2-academy-student-parent-teacher-hs.pdf
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! Rhode Island Education Data Reporting - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/school/times2-academy
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! School Level Report - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/files/surveyworks/2011-2012/combined/surveyworks-2011-2012-times2-academy-student-parent-teacher-hs.pdf
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! School Level Report - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/files/surveyworks/2011-2012/combined/surveyworks-2011-2012-times2-academy-student-parent-teacher-hs.pdf
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! Rhode Island Education Data Reporting - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/school/times2-academy
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! School Level Report - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/files/surveyworks/2011-2012/combined/surveyworks-2011-2012-times2-academy-student-parent-teacher-hs.pdf
Rhode Island Department of Education. “InfoWorks! School Level Report - RIDE.ri.gov Times2 Academy.” Infoworks, 2011. http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/files/surveyworks/2011-2012/combined/surveyworks-2011-2012-times2-academy-student-parent-teacher-hs.pdf